Used BMW Z3 Fault Guides

Used Car Expert Fault Guides tell you the common BMW Z3 faults and wear items that can become problems and big bills for their owner.

Independent research indicated that using our fault guides to check a car before you buy it can save you an average of £300 in surprise bills and hidden problems.

That's because our BMW Z3 fault guides are written so that anyone can understand them – even if you know nothing about cars and have no tools. For every common fault, we tell you what to look for, what it means and what it costs.

We know of 12 BMW Z3 (1996 - 2002) faults which our fault check guide makes it easy for you to spot and avoid.

3 engine faults

1 suspension wear items or faults

5 interior problems

2 bodywork issues

1 recalls

Here's an example fault on the BMW Z3 (1996 - 2002)

What to look for:

Start the engine and leave it running for a few minutes. Open the bonnet and locate the radiator at the front of the engine bay. Wear protective gloves (as the engine will be hot) and try to squeeze the fat rubber pipe that runs into the top of the radiator.

What it means:

If the rubber pipe is rock hard, the engine is pressurising because the head gasket has failed. The head gasket needs to be replaced. This is most likely on the 1.9 litre engine.